Unlocking Resilience in Cornwall: How Our Community Initiative is Making a Difference.
The Tackling Climate Change – Flood Prevention Project isn’t just a project; it’s a movement. Discover how this community-led effort is uniting farmers, businesses, and residents to understand, prepare, and combat flooding. Journey with us through real-world successes, measurable impacts, and actionable steps you can take to safeguard your future. Together, we are creating a more resilient Cornwall, one where our homes, businesses, and communities stand strong against the rising tide. Join the movement; your Cornwall needs you.
In Cornwall, the threat of flooding is a concern that resonates with nearly everyone. Whether through personal experience or news reports, the impact of flooding cannot be ignored. According to The Cornwall Local flood risk management strategy 2020-2026, approximately 1 in 6 properties in Cornwall are in areas susceptible to flooding. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency of taking action to mitigate flood risks and build community resilience.
Our project, the Tackling Climate Change – Flood Prevention Project, funded by the UK government through Cornwall Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, has engaged directly with residents, local farmers, businesses, town, and parish councils through a mixture of individual, group and collective meetings and events. With reference to The Cornwall Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, we’ve identified 8-10 coastal and rural areas across Cornwall where the risk of flooding is particularly high. Our mission is clear: to empower local farmers, businesses, and residents to understand, prepare for, and combat the threat of flooding. Our aim: to listen, educate and develop a community-led plan to reduce flooding risk.
Our approach involves extensive engagement with the community through individual, group, and collective meetings and events. These interactions serve as a platform for listening, educating, and developing community-led plans to reduce flood risks. We start by seeking to understand people’s current thoughts, attitudes, and motivations related to flooding and climate change. We prioritize farmers and businesses, understanding the significant disruptions flooding can cause to their operations. This is followed by events, where we share information on flood risks and mitigation strategies.
One of the highlights of our project is our partnership with Tregoad holiday park near Looe, who took a significant step in addressing their carbon footprint, which amounts to 170 tonnes annually, by investing in local businesses. They contributed £2,500 and planted around five acres of herbal ley at Higher Kestle farm in Mevagissey. This collaboration wasn’t just about offsetting emissions; it was about ‘closing the loop’ on local flooding issues. The project arose from the Net Zero Planning Pathway, developed by Climate Vision, a social enterprise based in Truro. The local offsetting solution sets a precedent by sequestering emissions while supporting local farmers. It’s a win-win situation that contributes to Cornwall’s goal of reducing emissions by 78% by 2035. Climate Vision works to unite various stakeholders, bridging the gap between climate risks, environmental benefits, and sustainable agriculture. This initiative demonstrates the power of local collaboration in addressing climate change. By working together, we can reduce flooding, enhance the environment, and secure a sustainable future. It’s a promising beginning, showcasing the way forward for Cornwall and beyond. Find out more about our herbal ley story and listen to our BBC interview here.
This innovative process has many benefits and not only reduces surface runoff but also serves as an example of how private investment can help combat flooding and climate change with natural solutions. We have been lucky enough to host some of this initiative’s events at Lobb’s farm to showcase the herbal ley. This initiative was much more than a demonstration; it’s an immersive learning experience. Visitors who attended these events gained valuable insights and left with a motivation to change.
“One of the most interesting tours and presentations, I learned about carbon sequestration, flood impacts and the steps, I can take. I will attend more.” – Matthew Facey.
“It’s great to see innovation in our local area and that we are being leaders in this…really enjoyable”– Rachel Martin.
“A vision for the future”– Kay.
“Brilliant experience, there is no substitute for an in person visit to develop a greater understanding of an issue”– James Mustoe.
“Fascinating farm visit and a great example of collaborative local action”– Julie Skentelbery.
So, what impact have we made so far?
Our journey has already witnessed significant milestones: To date, our project has inspired 623 people to take concrete steps in adaptation and mitigation through our well-tested communications formula. Attendees at our events were captivated by real stories, like lambs grazing on the carbon-sequestering and flood-mitigating Herbal Ley, which has already absorbed an impressive 170 tonnes of carbon. This transformation has been made possible through private investment, driven by Climate Vision’s Net Zero Pathway initiative.
In our most recent initiative, we have empowered 494 individuals to comprehend and address their flood risk, building resilience within our community. Our project events have actively engaged 129 participants, increasing awareness about flood prevention and the critical importance of addressing climate change.
Notably, we’ve observed a 14% surge in individuals recognizing their flood risk who were previously unaware of their risk. Five town and parish councils have embraced and been inspired by our ‘close the loop’ narrative during their full council meetings. This narrative brings forward a positive story of flood management in their areas. For instance, councils like Pentewan Valley PC, St Ewe PC, and Mevagissey PC are among those that have actively participated. Our outreach extends further, as representatives from seven councils attended the Southwest Climate Change Centre Event at Heartlands.
Moreover, we’ve recently received data from Higher Kestle farm regarding their soil’s carbon capture. We are eagerly awaiting these results and are excited to share them with you. As we continue our mission, each of these achievements serves as a testament to the effectiveness that community engagement can have in tackling climate change and flood prevention. Our journey is far from over.
Join the Movement
We are inviting you to join the movement towards a more resilient Cornwall. If you’re a farmer, a business owner, or a resident concerned about flood risks, we want to hear from you. Here’s what you can do:
- Farmers: Check your flood risk using our link to safeguard your farm and please get in touch to register your interest. We can signpost you to specialists who will help you look at your flood risk and carbon and how you might trade it safely, if you wish, but let’s have a cup of tea first. luci@climatevision.co.uk
- Business Owners: This project highlights the opportunities for businesses to start Net Zero Pathway planning, quite simply and quickly. It is important to make a start, have a cup of tea and a chat. It will save a business money as it prepares for the future. Businesses can get in touch here.
- Residents: Check your flood risk using our link and become informed about your potential risks and get in contact with us if you’re interested in our project. luci@climatevision.co.uk
Get in Touch
Ready to be part of the change? Contact us today to learn more about our project, find out your flood risk, and discover how you can contribute. Let’s work together to safeguard our homes, businesses, and communities.
Contact us at:
Luci Isaacson BEM: Luci@climatevision.co.uk
T: 01872 241239
M: 07909 530730
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus #UKSPF
